When Dashti swore to serve the Lady Saren in all ways, she never expected that she and her new mistress would almost immediately be shut away in a tower for the next seven years, all because Saren refused to marry a powerful, evil warlord. And when the opportunity to free themselves arises, Dashti finds herself stretched to the limits, taking care of herself and Saren. What begins as an attempt to find shelter and safety soon becomes an epic struggle for survival, and what began as an innocent deception years ago turns into a heartbreaking romance that may not have a happily ever after. In this book, Hale takes inspiration from the central Asian steppes to totally reimagine the fairy tale, “Maid Maleen” and succeeds admirably, weaving magic, mystery and romance together in a memorable setting. Once again, Hale definitely satisfies.